468. The Cai Clan Vs. Shi Hui & Shi Wu

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As the day of the wedding approached, preparations were in full swing in both the Yuan and Zhen estates. The grand hall in Yuan Shao's residence was adorned with exquisite decorations, reflecting the opulence and power of the Yuan Clan. Guests from various influential families were invited, making the event a significant political and social gathering.

On the morning of the wedding, Yuan Xi stood nervously in his chambers, adjusting his ceremonial robes. He was filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Today was not just about marrying Zhen Ji but also about solidifying an alliance that would shape the future of his clan. As he took a deep breath, Guo Tu and Feng Ji entered the room to escort him to the grand hall.

In the Zhen Clan estate, Zhen Ji was a picture of grace and beauty, dressed in an elegant bridal gown that highlighted her striking features, causing even the handmaidens who put on her makeup to be caught in a daze.

Despite her initial anger and resentment, she sadly and with a heavy heart came to accept her fate, determined to fulfill her role with dignity. Her mother stood by her side, offering words of comfort and encouragement.

"My dear, remember that you are strong and capable," her mother said softly. "This marriage is not just a union of two people but a union of two powerful clans. You represent us in this alliance and have the power to influence and shape this alliance. Make the best of it."

Zhen Ji nodded, her resolve hardening when she heard what her mother said. She would face this new chapter of her life and use the power bestowed upon her to protect themselves from doing adult things with Yuan Xi as long as possible.

As she was led to the carriage that would take her to the Yuan Clan estate, she held her head high, putting up a facade for everyone to see that she accepted this marriage.

The wedding ceremony was a grand affair, attended by the elite of the northern territories. The officiate of the ceremony was Guo Tu, one of Yuan Shao's longest serving advisors under Yuan Shao, emphasizing the significance between the Yuan and Zhen clans.

As Yuan Xi and Zhen Ji exchanged their vows, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation and hope for a prosperous future for Yuan and Zhen Clan.

Yuan Xi and Zhen Ji performed the three traditional bows according to Guo Tu's instructions. First, they bowed to heaven and earth, acknowledging the divine powers that preside over their lives. Second, they bowed to their parents, honoring the generations before them. Finally, they bowed to each other, symbolizing their commitment and respect in this new union.

After the bowing ceremony, Yuan Xi and Zhen Ji both drank the ceremonial wine, sealing their marriage. The ceremony concluded amidst applause and well-wishes from the guests.

Zhen Ji was then escorted to the bridal chamber, where she would wait for Yuan Xi. Meanwhile, Yuan Xi stayed to receive the guests, each offering a toast in celebration of the marriage. The wine flowed freely, and Yuan Xi, unaccustomed to such indulgence, soon found himself heavily intoxicated.

Late into the night, Yuan Xi, barely able to stand, was supported by Yan Liang and Wen Chou as they guided him to the bridal chamber. His steps were unsteady, and his vision blurred as he staggered toward the room. Yan Liang and Wen Chou opened the door, and Yuan Xi stumbled inside, making his way unsteadily toward the bed.

Zhen Ji, waiting for him in the room, observed his drunken state with a fleeting expression of disgust. However, she quickly composed herself and walked over to help him sit on the bed.

Her movements were graceful and calm, concealing her inner turmoil. She then moved to a small table near the bed, where a kettle and two cups were placed, and began pouring the wedding night wine.

As she poured the wine, Zhen Ji discreetly retrieved a small vial of sleeping powder that one of her handmaids had provided. She mixed the powder into Yuan Xi's cup, ensuring that it dissolved completely. With a composed demeanor, she handed the cup to Yuan Xi.

"Drink this, my lord," she said softly, holding the cup to his lips. Yuan Xi, too intoxicated to notice anything amiss, drank deeply. Within moments, his eyes grew heavy, and he fell back onto the bed, fast asleep.

Relieved, Zhen Ji set her own untouched cup aside and looked at Yuan Xi's slumbering form. She then took a small vial of red wine and carefully poured some onto the bed sheets, creating the illusion of consummation. She was determined to maintain her dignity and purity, despite the circumstances.

With the ruse in place, Zhen Ji settled onto the edge of the bed, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. She had successfully navigated the first challenge of her marriage, but she knew that many more lay ahead.

The union between the Yuan and Zhen clans was a powerful alliance, and she would need to use all her wit and resilience to navigate the complexities of her new life.

The next morning, Yuan Xi awoke with a pounding headache and hazy memories of the previous night. He glanced at the bed and saw the red-stained sheets, assuming that the marriage had been consummated. Zhen Ji, already awake and composed, greeted him with a polite smile.

"Good morning, my lord," she said, her voice steady and calm. "I hope you are feeling better."

Yuan Xi nodded, though his head throbbed. "Good morning, Zhen Ji. I... apologize for my state last night."

"It is understandable," she replied graciously. "It was a long and eventful day."

With the first night behind them, Yuan Xi and Zhen Ji began to settle into their new roles. Yuan Xi, determined to prove himself worthy of the alliance, focused on his responsibilities and sought to make a positive impact within his clan. He engaged in discussions with his father's advisors, learning the intricacies of clan politics and strategy.

Zhen Ji, on the other hand, embraced her role as a bridge between the Yuan and Zhen clans. She maintained regular correspondence with her family, ensuring that their interests were represented and protected. She also began to cultivate relationships with the influential women in the Yuan Clan, building a network of support and alliances.

On the other hand, In Lingling, the Cai Clan's consolidation efforts were yielding positive results. Lady Cai's diplomatic acumen and Zhang Yun's military strength ensured that dissenting factions were brought under control.

The region stabilized, and the Cai Clan's influence grew stronger. With their home front secure, they could now turn their attention to the southern campaign against Shi Hui and Shi Wu.

Cai Mao, confident in their position, called for a final meeting with his advisors. "The time has come to execute our plan. Our scouts report that Shi Hui's forces are weaker than ever, and Shi Wu's brutality has alienated many of his allies. We will strike swiftly and decisively."

The southern campaign was meticulously planned, targeting Shi Hui's supply lines and approaching Shi Wu's enemies with offers of support. Their efforts soon began to bear fruit. Shi Hui's troops, deprived of supplies, grew increasingly discontented, while Shi Wu's former allies began to turn against him.

Shi Hui and Shi Wu scrambled to take emergency measures to stabilize their domains. The sudden disruption to their supply lines and the unrest among their troops left them vulnerable.

Each suspected the other of treachery or believed that Shi Xie, the overlord of Jiaozhi Province and their former lord, was behind the chaos. As they attempted to shore up their defenses and quell the discontent, Cai Mao's scouts and spies provided detailed reports on the unfolding situation.

Cai Mao and Zhang Yun, realizing the opportune moment, mobilized their forces for a coordinated attack. They aimed to strike both Shi Hui and Shi Wu simultaneously, leveraging the full strength of their remaining army. The element of surprise was on their side, as neither Shi Hui nor Shi Wu expected a direct assault from an unknown adversary.

The attack was swift and devastating. Cai Mao's forces, well-prepared and highly motivated, launched a series of aggressive maneuvers that quickly penetrated the defenses of both Shi Hui and Shi Wu. By the time Shi Hui and Shi Wu realized they were under attack, significant damage had already been inflicted on their territories, and their troops stationed at the northern border were in disarray.

Believing the assault to be the work of Liu Biao's forces, unaware that Liu Biao had already died, Shi Hui and Shi Wu hastily united to repel the aggressors. However, their lack of coordination and the recent strain on their resources left them at a severe disadvantage.

The Cai Clan's army, bolstered by Zhang Yun's military prowess and Cai Mao's strategic acumen, maintained relentless pressure.

The ensuing battle caused massive commotion throughout Jiaozhi Province. The clash between the Cai Clan and the combined forces of Shi Hui and Shi Wu was intense and bloody, with both sides suffering significant casualties.

As the conflict raged on, it drew the attention of Shi Xie, the current overlord of Jiaozhi Province, who grew increasingly alarmed by the turmoil to his north.

Shi Xie, a shrewd and cautious leader, recognized the potential threat posed by Liu Biao's forces, not knowing that the Cai Clan already took over. He convened a council with his advisors to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.

"We must be vigilant," Shi Xie declared, his voice grave. "The Cai Clan's aggression threatens to destabilize the entire region. If we do not act swiftly, they may turn their sights on us next."

Meanwhile, the battle between the Cai Clan and the combined forces of Shi Hui and Shi Wu reached a critical point. Despite their initial resistance, Shi Hui and Shi Wu's forces were gradually worn down by the relentless assaults. The Cai Clan's superior strategy and the element of surprise proved decisive. Zhang Yun led his troops with unyielding determination, exploiting every weakness and maintaining relentless pressure.

As the tide of battle turned in favor of the Cai Clan, Shi Hui and Shi Wu realized the dire straits they were in. Desperation set in, and they attempted to retreat and regroup. However, Cai Mao and Zhang Yun anticipated this move and cut off their escape routes, surrounding their remaining forces.

In a final, desperate clash, Shi Hui and Shi Wu's armies were decimated. Both leaders were captured, and their domains were effectively brought under the control of the Cai Clan. The victory was a significant triumph for Cai Mao, cementing his family's dominance in the region and expanding their territory. The aftermath of the battle left Jiaozhi Province in a state of uncertainty.

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Name: Lie Fan

Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains

Age: 31 (198 AD)

Level: 16

Next Level: 462,000

Renown: 1325

Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)

SP: 1,121,700

ATTRIBUTE POINTS

STR: 951 (+20)

VIT: 613 (+20)

AGI: 598 (+10)

INT: 617

CHR: 96

WIS: 519

WILL: 407

ATR Points: 0